KATHMANDU: Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has expressed India’s readiness to support Nepal’s reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in areas affected by the Bhotekoshi floods, which caused extensive damage to infrastructure.
During a meeting with a Nepali delegation led by Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Misri said India was prepared to consider Nepal’s proposals for assistance and projects required during the reconstruction and rehabilitation phase.
Acknowledging the scale of the damage caused by the floods, he said India was willing to extend further support and hold detailed discussions with the Nepali leadership on the assistance required.
Misri also highlighted the longstanding and special relationship between Nepal and India, describing the two countries as partners that have stood by each other through both favourable and difficult circumstances.
“India and Nepal have a special relationship from various perspectives. We have been partners in both good and difficult times,” he said.
Recalling India’s assistance following the Bhotekoshi floods, Misri said the disaster had provided an opportunity to demonstrate the strength of bilateral ties through practical cooperation.
“India has provided assistance. However, we understand that the incident has caused extensive damage and destruction to Nepal’s infrastructure. As always, India is ready to consider proposals for assistance or projects needed during the reconstruction and rehabilitation phase,” he said.
He added that preliminary discussions on the matter had already taken place and India was willing to engage in further consultations with Nepal’s leadership to determine the necessary support.
Misri also commended officials from both countries for their efforts to resolve longstanding bilateral issues and advance key cooperation initiatives. He said progress had been made in implementing important decisions taken by the two sides and expressed appreciation for the continued cooperation of Nepali officials.
He expressed confidence that the momentum of bilateral cooperation would continue in the coming days. Misri said his discussions with Nepali officials would also focus on advancing several important bilateral initiatives in preparation for Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s upcoming visit to India. He added that a detailed agenda had been prepared for the discussions. “I look forward to discussing these matters with you,” he said.
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